The type of survey undertaken will vary during the lifespan of the premises and several may be needed over time.  The purpose of surveying is to make a 'material assessment':

• To find ACMs and record what it is, where it is and how much there is

• To record how accessible it is, its condition, and any surface treatment
  

• To record the asbestos type, by sampling or by presuming

The duty-holder, building owner, employer and surveyor need to be clear on the type of survey needed, where the survey is needed, and what records should result.

HSG 264 Management Surveys

The purpose of a Management Survey is to manage ACMs during the normal occupation and use of the premises.  A Management Survey aims to ensure that: 

• Nobody is harmed by the continuing presence of ACMs in the premises or equipment
  

• The ACMs remain in good condition
  

• Nobody disturbs ACMs accidentally
  

The management survey must locate ACMs that could be damaged or disturbed by normal activities, by foreseeable maintenance, or by installing new equipment. It involves minor intrusion and minor asbestos disturbance to make a Material Assessment. This shows the potential of ACMs, if disturbed, to release fibres into the air. It guides the client, e.g. in prioritising any remedial work.

HSG 264 Refurbishment Surveys

A Refurbishment Survey is required when a building (or part of it) is to be upgraded and/or refurbished and should be undertaken before any refurbishment commences on site.  A Refurbishment Survey may also be necessary when intrusive maintenance or repair work is required or plant is to be removed or dismantled.

Refurbishment Surveys are intended to locate all the asbestos in the building (or the relevant part), as far as is reasonably practicable.   The survey is fully intrusive and involves destructive inspection, as necessary. Therefore, they should only be carried out in specific locations where refurbishment is planned.

A Refurbishment Survey to targeted areas of a building can be carried out in conjunction with a Management Survey.   Our Refurbishment Survey report will include full results of all materials sampled or presumed to contain asbestos, a full list and description of all areas inspected, annotated plans and conclusions.

HSG 264 Demolition Surveys

A Demolition Survey is required when the building (or part of it) is to be demolished and should be undertaken before any demolition works commences on site. 

Demolition Surveys are intended to locate all the asbestos in the building (or the relevant part), as far as is reasonably practicable.   The survey is fully intrusive and involves destructive inspection, as necessary. Therefore, they should only be carried out in specific locations where demolition is planned.

PCS are UKAS accredited as an Inspection Body (Accreditation No. 4535) to undertake Management, Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys to residential and commercial properties.  Our schedule of accreditation can be viewed on the UKAS website. http://www.ukas.com/wp-content/uploads/schedule_uploads/00012/4535Inspection%20Body%20Single.pdf